The Canadian Race Relations Foundation Honours Black History Month

TORONTO, February 1, 2018. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) joins with all Canadians to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. These contributions and achievements help make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.

The movement towards recognition of Black History Month in North America began in 1926, when African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed setting aside a time devoted to honour the accomplishments of African Americans and to heighten awareness of Black history in the United States. Unofficial celebrations of black history month in Canada followed shortly thereafter.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine The motion to designate February as Black History Month in Canada was adopted in in the senate in 2008, thanks to Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate. The motion received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.

Alberto Lo, Chair of the Board, CRRF commented, “Moving beyond Canada’s 150th birthday, we take this time to reflect on the contributions that Black Canadians have made to the rich mosaic of Canadian culture. We look towards the future with the promise that that these contributions will be recognized and celebrated for many generations to come.”

The CRRF encourages all Canadians to take advantage of the many events celebrating Black History Month.

About the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The purpose of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation is to facilitate throughout Canada the development, sharing and application of knowledge and expertise in order to contribute to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society. The work of the Foundation is premised on the desire to create and nurture an inclusive society based on equity, social harmony, mutual respect and human dignity. Its underlying principle in addressing racism and racial discrimination emphasizes positive race relations and the promotion of shared Canadian values of human rights and democratic institutions.